Upper Salt River Rafting Trips The Upper Salt River Canyon rafting trip begins at Mule Hoof Campground just downstream of Salt River Canyon Bridge on Hwy 60. The first 20 miles of the canyon consists of Challenging Class III whitewater including rapids such as Baptism, Overboard, Exhibition, Mescal Falls, and Ledges.

You will encounter three major geologic faults with each dramatically changing the character of Salt River Canyon. In the next 30+ miles you'll experience Class IV whitewater through rugged desert canyon with rapids like Ledges, Rat Trap, White Rock, Eye of the Needle, Black Rock, and Quartzite Falls.

The Salt River rafting season is very unpredictable due to fluctations in snowpack in the White Mountains. While the Salt River can have navigable flows from February to June the main season is usually in March and April.

Most Salt River rafting outfitters run variations of 1/2 day, full day, and multiple day trips on the Salt River. We've chosen to describe the entire Upper Salt River Canyon as a 52 mile long 5 day trip. Check with a Salt River Rafting outfitter for the exact rafting trips that they offer as well as the outlook for the length of the Salt River Rafting season.

The Salt River is one of the most spectactular rafting trips I've every done. Giant saquaro cactus forests and beautiful scenery. There were great rapids too. We did a five day trip in April of 2003 starting near the Hwy 60 bridge that crosses over the Salt River. We went about 50 miles and enjoyed every one of them.

The problem is that their isn't always enough snow to make the river flow. The season is short too. So if you get a chance to do it take advantage. Definitely recommended.

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Salt River Rafting = FUN, Feb 05, 2006

Reviewer: Dylan Johnson
from Scottsdale, AZ

I took my family on a Salt River Rafting trip a few years ago in March. It was just a day trip from the Phoenix area. We had a blast. It was nice to get out of the city to such a scenic place so close to our home. Our guide told us the season doesn't usually go past April. So if you're going to go, plan early.